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Horwill injury rocks Wallabies

Jim Morton

Will Genia has promised to throw off his shackles and run more after being handed the Wallabies captaincy for Saturday night's Test of character against South Africa.

Australia must overcome the huge loss of injured skipper James Horwill at Suncorp Stadium to end the Springboks' nine-Test winning streak but coach Ewen McKenzie has predicted great things from Genia.

The world-class halfback remains the Wallabies' key man but he's struggled to make his usual impact in their past three losses against the British and Irish Lions and All Blacks.

Genia admitted he'd been below his best but denied he was struggling with the knee injury he suffered in the corresponding Rugby Championship clash - his last match as captain - with the Springboks in Perth 12 months ago.

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The 46-Test star blamed poor decision-making, opting against testing the defence, rather than a lack of confidence in his reconstructed knee.

"I've spoken to the coaches about that - I probably need to run a little bit more and have a go and provide a bit more of a threat and a spark in that ruck area," he said.

"The good thing for me is it's something I do well and naturally anyway.

"In terms of the whole team attack, it then holds the defenders in tight and creates space outside for guys like Quade (Cooper) and Izzy (Folau).

"I feel like I'm in good shape and good condition and hopefully full of running come Saturday night."

Disappointed to lose the inspirational Horwill, McKenzie backed Genia to thrive with the added responsibility.

"He has always stepped up when given the opportunity to lead," the coach said. "I'm sure this will bring the best out of him."

Scans revealed Horwill suffered a slight hamstring strain in an awkward fall from a lineout drill at training on Tuesday afternoon and the Wallabies have taken a cautious approach by putting him in cotton wool for two weeks.

Kane Douglas has replaced him in the second-row, Ben McCalman has been added to the bench while No.8 Ben Mowen has been promoted to vice-captain after just five Tests.

"This is the proudest moment of my rugby career," said Mowen, who admitted the Wallabies pack had a big job to overcome the loss of Horwill's size, power and leadership.

"It's really disappointing to lose your captain and James brings so much energy to the team, is a big voice and a lead-by-action guy.

"It's up to the rest of the forwards to go that extra (mile) to cover him off."

The latest blow to Australia's threadbare second-row stocks - on top of injuries to Hugh McMeniman, Hugh Pyle and Peter Kimlin - has resulted in former NSW Waratahs powerhouse Sitaleki Timani called into the squad to play Argentina in Perth on Saturday week.

Originally overlooked after signing to play in France this year, Timani would likely add to his 10 Test caps by lining up against the Pumas at Paterson Stadium.

McKenzie remains hopeful the ex-Waratah, reportedly talking with the Melbourne Rebels, might be available for Australia next year.